Things To Do in Tampa

Looking for fun things to do in Tampa, FL? The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm created a list of their favorite things to do in the city.

Every list includes Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium, but we’ve added a few other stops that you can’t miss, which are unique to Tampa.

Remember not to drink and drive. Arrange your transportation in advance.

Unique things to do in Tampa for Adults:

1. Breakfast at La Teresita Restaurant –
   • No trip to Tampa is complete without getting breakfast at a Cuban restaurant in West Tampa. We recommend La Teresita Restaurant. Sit on the counterside and make some new friends. Don’t forget to order the café con leche. The West Tampa Sandwich Shop is also a good option. If you are near MacDill Air Force Base, we recommend the South Tampa Sandwich Shop.
2. Shopping in Hyde Park Village –
   • Enjoy a day of shopping at this outdoor destination in the heart of historic Tampa. We recommend “On Swann” for lunch. Check out the local events page for more ideas.
3. People Watching in Ybor City –
   • Spend the day exploring Ybor City, located just northeast of downtown. Recognized as one of the “10 Great Streets in America,” the main commercial thoroughfare, 7th Avenue, provides food, shopping, and culture. Don’t miss dinner at the Columbia Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Florida. Founded in 1905, the restaurant has remained family-owned for five generations. Pick up a loaf of Cuban bread at La Segunda Bakery or try the coconut turnovers. End the night with a drink at the Sterling Cigar Bar’s misted open-air rooftop patio, facing 7th Avenue in Centro Ybor.
4. Antiques at Schiller’s –
   • If you enjoy shopping for antiques, we recommend visiting Schiller’s Salvage, located at 2705 E Hanna Ave, Tampa, FL 33610, which opens at 9 am on Saturdays. You never know what you might find, but they always have outdoor urns, antique cabinets, and reclaimed wood.
   • In South Tampa, we also recommend Gaslight Antiques at 3616 Henderson Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609.
5. Dinner at Bern’s Steak House –
   • Although reservations should be booked months in advance, you can always show up at 4:30 p.m. for your best chance to sit in the bar area, which provides seating on a first-come, first-served basis when the doors open at 5 p.m. The French onion soup and steak sandwich never disappoints. After dinner, enjoy a tour of the world-famous wine cellar. The wine cellar contains more than 6800 selections, making it one of the largest wine collections in the world. After the tour, head upstairs to the dessert room. Request seating in the piano room to enjoy the piano man, Kenny Haelsig.

Things to do in Tampa with kids:

1. Streetcar in Ybor City –
   • The best way to experience Ybor City is by riding the TECO Line Streetcar System, a 2.7-mile electric heritage streetcar line that connects Downtown Tampa, the Channel District, and Ybor City. Service is free, seven days a week, to 11 covered wheelchair-accessible stations, with trains departing every 15 minutes. The end-to-end trip takes 26 minutes. Exit on Streetcar Station #8 for the Amalie Arena Station to book your water taxi.
2. Water Taxi Tour –
   • The Hillsborough River cuts through downtown Tampa. Use a downtown water taxi to enjoy the stops along the Tampa RiverWalk. Visit the attractions, museums, restaurants, and parks. With an all-day pass, you can enjoy the Channel District, downtown, and Davis Island. Don’t forget to stop for dinner at Ulele or one of the restaurants at Armature Works.
3. Walk on Bayshore Boulevard –
   • Take a walk on the longest continuous sidewalk in the world. The 10-foot-wide sidewalk covers more than 4.5 miles, starting on the north at the Columbus Statue Park at Platt Street and ending at Gandy Boulevard. Enjoy the scenic views of downtown Tampa, with the water on one side and historic homes on the other.
4. Picnic at Picnic Island –
   • Plan a picnic at Picnic Island to take in the stunning views. Enjoy the sandy playground, sand volleyball court, and disc golf course. Bring your dog to the dog beach near the boat ramp and pier.
5. Fishing on the Pier at Ballast Point Park –
   • Enjoy mingling with the locals while you fish on the 600-foot pier at Ballast Point Park. Located on the east coast of South Tampa, you can rent all of the fishing equipment at the bait shop in the park. The park has a shaded splash park, playground, picnic areas, and a gazebo. Enjoy an impressive view of downtown Tampa. For lunch, enjoy the clam chowder at the “Taste of Boston” restaurant.

Do you have any suggestions for items we should add to the list?